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Topic Review (Newest First)

08-21-2012 09:47 AM

Mark D

Quote:

Originally Posted by monster76

what is the dimensions of the side of the panel truck i might be able to find a factory window that might work for you

I appreciate the offer, but Im going to want them to fit the body lines of the panel exactly so I will have them custom cut.

08-21-2012 12:39 AM

tech69

That would look super, Martin.

been wanting to get a shrinker/stretcher. They'd be helpful around here.
I forgot about that tool cause I don't have it and keep telling myself to get one.

Might order the eastwood pair soon.

08-20-2012 09:28 PM

monster76

what is the dimensions of the side of the panel truck i might be able to find a factory window that might work for you

08-20-2012 09:18 PM

Mark D

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparkydog

I'm not sure if the SHAPE of these windows is what you have in mind but in terms of a nice flush fit and look.... IMO the side windows of a more modern Burb or Astro van might work for you.

I checked a bunch of the more modern windows and they are too tall =(

08-20-2012 08:51 PM

sparkydog

I'm not sure if the SHAPE of these windows is what you have in mind but in terms of a nice flush fit and look.... IMO the side windows of a more modern Burb or Astro van might work for you.

08-20-2012 08:23 PM

Mark D

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Fool

Best idea yet!

Yes, I agree, but I also appreciate every ones input. Ive been a member here for a year and never had a reason to ask any questions, and when I finally did I got a bunch of great answers.

Today I contacted a master fabricator in our area and he said when I am ready bring the panel on down and he would work with me on the project. I need to get a hold of my glass guy to make sure he is good with doing it this way. Personally I think it will look fine.

08-20-2012 08:18 PM

Mark D

Quote:

Originally Posted by ogre

i thought the panels had the same structure inside as the suburbans
if that's the case try to get suburban windows and trim to fit in there

Actually the panel and the burb are quite different under the skin. The entire floor in the panel is different. On the burb it has a rear door on the passenger side and the drivers side basically has the structure of a rear door beneath the outer skin. roll down windows and such. Ive seen several opened up and made into a usable door. Not easy, but doable.

So the windows wouldn't match up ( I checked this first ), plus the angles are off If I was to make flush fit openings for them.

Hindsight is 20/20 of course, I used to have a couple of burbs of that era ... shoulda kept them and let the panel go down the road =)

08-20-2012 05:49 PM

Old Fool

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

This is the only way I can imagine you could do this without paint. Get a window and make a channel that would go around the window. Cut a hole in the body the same size as the channel, we are talking PERFECTLY cut it out and grind it out to the perfect point. Glue the channel to the back side of the metal with structural bonding adhesive. (YES it would be strong enough) And then set the glass on urethane in the channel and use a moulding like on an 80's S-10 Chevy or Camaro of the vintage. The moulding simply tucks into the channel between the glass and the channel sealing over the gap between the glass and the channel.

You may be able to pull this off without damaging the paint.

Brian

Best idea yet!

08-20-2012 01:16 PM

ogre

i thought the panels had the same structure inside as the suburbans
if that's the case try to get suburban windows and trim to fit in there

08-20-2012 10:53 AM

MARTINSR

You would have the channel bent up in three or four foot lengths (if you don't have the equipment to bend it). Then using a shrinker/stretcher bend it around the window perfectly using the window as your pattern.

Brian

08-20-2012 10:41 AM

Mark D

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

This is the only way I can imagine you could do this without paint. Get a window and make a channel that would go around the window. Cut a hole in the body the same size as the channel, we are talking PERFECTLY cut it out and grind it out to the perfect point. Glue the channel to the back side of the metal with structural bonding adhesive. (YES it would be strong enough) And then set the glass on urethane in the channel and use a moulding like on an 80's S-10 Chevy or Camaro of the vintage. The moulding simply tucks into the channel between the glass and the channel sealing over the gap between the glass and the channel.

You may be able to pull this off without damaging the paint.

Brian

This was my original idea on doing this. Seemed like the best way ... just need to figure out how to make the channel and get her done =)

BTW, I noticed a bunch of your posts on this site. Glad to see you are still around. Seems like I used to see a bunch of your tutorials over on 67-72chevytrucks.com

Thanks for your insights here.

08-19-2012 11:13 PM

MARTINSR

This is the only way I can imagine you could do this without paint. Get a window and make a channel that would go around the window. Cut a hole in the body the same size as the channel, we are talking PERFECTLY cut it out and grind it out to the perfect point. Glue the channel to the back side of the metal with structural bonding adhesive. (YES it would be strong enough) And then set the glass on urethane in the channel and use a moulding like on an 80's S-10 Chevy or Camaro of the vintage. The moulding simply tucks into the channel between the glass and the channel sealing over the gap between the glass and the channel.

You may be able to pull this off without damaging the paint.

Brian

08-19-2012 05:20 PM

poncho62

Put a DVD player in the back, that will keep the little buggers happy......

I wonder if those windows that they used to install in conversion vans would work for you, if you could find the right size/shape?

08-19-2012 03:27 PM

mmadden55

Try side windows from a Chevy van.

08-19-2012 01:08 PM

Mark D

Quote:

Originally Posted by swvalcon

If your looking for a cheap quick fix look at some side windows for a conversion van. Not that much money and fairly easy to install.

Yeah those would be easy for sure. But I'm really looking for a close to seamless look. Very dark glass, flush fit, on a black body.

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